When former closer Lee Smith retired from baseball in 1997, he was the all-time saves leader with 478. Only Hall of Famer Trevor Hoffman and future Hall of Famer Mariano Rivera finished with more career saves than the big righty from Louisiana. Drafted by the Chicago Cubs in the 2nd round of the 1975 MLB Amateur Draft, Smith made his debut with the “Northsiders” on September 1, 1980. His 18-year career saw him pitch for the Cubs, Boston Red Sox, St. Louis Cardinals, New York Yankees, Baltimore Orioles, California Angels, Cincinnati Reds and Montreal Expos. Presented here is a collection of five baseballs used during important moments of Smith’s career.

The first ball was used when Smith recorded his 50th National League win on May 24th, 1992 when he pitched a scoreless ninth inning during the St. Louis Cardinals 4-3 walk-off victory over the visiting Houston Astros at Busch Stadium. This Official National League William D. White baseball was the ball used during this game and displays outstanding use with only minor toning. Smith signed his name in bold blue pen on the side panel and the inscription on the same panel reads “#50 Win NL”. Inscriptions on this sweet spot ball in black ink include “Houston 010 001 010 – 3 9 0” and “Cardinals 100 100 101 – 4 10 0”.

The second ball was used when Smith notched his 356th career save and first of the 1993 season as the St. Louis Cardinals defeated the San Francisco Giants 6-2 at Busch Stadium on April 7th, 1993. Smith struck out Willie McGee, the only batter he faced, to end the game as this Official National League William D. White baseball was used during this game. This baseball shows outstanding use with some toning and slight discoloration. Smith signed his name in blue pen on the side panel. Inscriptions on this ball in light blue ink include “Save #356 4-7-93”, “San Francisco 000 000 101 – 2 8 1” and “Cardinals 210 300 00X – 6 13 1”. Please note that there is slight chipping on the panel with Smith’s signature on the “L” in his first name and the “S” in his last name, but the overall signature is still readable.

The next ball was used when Smith picked up his 412th career save during the April 28th, 1994 as a member of the Baltimore Orioles. Smith pitched in the ninth inning and recorded the last two outs to preserve the Orioles 4-2 victory over the California Angels at Angels Stadium. It was also Smith’s 11th save of the 1994 season. This Official American League Bobby Brown baseball was used during that game. Smith signed his name in bold blue pen on the side panel. Inscriptions on this ball in faded black ink include “5-28-94”, “BAL 000 310 000” and “CAL 01 000 001”. Please note that Smith inscribed the incorrect date on this ball. The ball shows signs of solid game use and is only slightly toned with an approximate 2-inch diameter dark spot on the sweet spot and adjoining panel.

The next ball was used when Smith picked up his 422nd career save on June 5th, 1994 game. Smith pitched a scoreless ninth inning with one strikeout to preserve the Orioles 8-5 victory over the Chicago White Sox at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. It was also Smith’s 21st save of the 1994 season. This Official American League Bobby Brown baseball was used during that game. Smith signed his name in bold blue pen on the side panel. Inscriptions on this ball in faded black ink include “6-5-94”, “Chicago 002 030 000” and “Orioles 010 030 40X”. The ball shows signs of use and is only slightly toned.

The final ball was used when Smith picked up his 427th career save on June 27th, 1994. Smith pitched the ninth inning to preserve the Orioles 7-6 victory over the Cleveland Indians at Jacobs Field. It was Smith’s 26th save of the 1994 season and he struck out the side, allowing only a walk to preserve the victory. This Official American League Bobby Brown baseball was used during that game. Smith signed his name in blue pen on the side panel. Inscriptions on this ball in black ink include “6-27-94”, “Orioles 011 040 010” and “Cleveland 000 141 000”. The baseball also has a commemorative Jacobs Field Inaugural Season stamp. The ball shows signs of outstanding use and is only slightly toned. Each game used and signed baseball comes with a LOA from Lee Smith, who in his LOA states that this ball has been in his personal collection.

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